PINE MOUNTAIN CLUB, CA – Leave your troubles behind and travel to an oasis – only an hour or so north from Los Angeles. Pine Mountain Village, at the crest of the 5-freeway, has a unique venue that wine, beer, food and music lovers have enjoyed attending for more than a decade: Wine in the Pines. The event is on June 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a VIP entry at 12:00. Proceeds from Wine in the Pines benefit the American Cancer Society.

“It’s so exciting to see so many wineries, both big and boutique, returning for Wine in the Pines 2017,” Mark Bailey, owner of the local Madd Bailey’s Pub and the Wine Room Gallery said. “Last year’s event was epic, and once again, the village gazebo area will be transformed into the fabulous Lompoc Wine Ghetto, alongside barbecue and live music.”

In addition to the wine, beer and food vendors there is always live music wafting through our woods – at least three bands!

The Wine Room Gallery Wine Bar in Pine Mountain will be open on both Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. and guests will be able to purchase and take home some of the wines they tasted at the festival. Tickets and information: www.WineInThePines.com, 661-242-8810, thewineroomgallery@yahoo.com and Facebook.

Information on cabins available for rent is also on the website: www.WineInThePines.com and there is a Holiday Inn located nearby.

Getting ready to hit the road for a weekend in Santa Ynez and Lompoc wine country I did what I always do: I asked Facebook friends where to eat. Once on my weekend, with plans for a picnic with one winemaker and at least one dinner at Hitching Post II I was looking for more breakfast and lunch places.

Hola O: I can’t vouch for it myself, but my friend went there and really liked it, but not full on restaurant, cheese plate, wine bar type food, olives, chocolate etc. http://www.thegoodlifecellar.com/about-the-good-life-solvang/

Todd W: I’ve eaten at Ballard Inn for dinner (took my wife there for a Valentine’s weekend getaway in 2010) and it was an incredible meal. We stayed at the Inn as well. Lovely place. Nicely located between Solvang and Los Olivos. Don’t know that I’d suggest it for lunch.

Patrick B: You can grab breakfast there, but you have to be staying there. To many bakeries in Solvang to count. Look for the place with a line. There aren’t too many breakfast options in Los Olivos either.

Diane G: We eat at Ellen’s a lot when we are up there. Haven’t heard about Succulent – is it newer? The menu looks great!

Eve B: I can’t wait to try them out! How about Los Olivos? Any breakfast or lunch spots there you guys like?

Julia V: Los Olivos Cafe’s curried chicken salad is my absolute fav! I may be there tomorrow for an early lunch … visiting my 94-year-old aunt and 93-year-old uncle who live in Solvang. Hope they’re up to it! There is also The Vineyard House and Ballard Inn.

Starting out at Stafford’s in Los Olivos, a candy shop located in a former windmill, we were completely surrounded by chocolate. Laced with Lavender, infused with red wine, bars and pops – we were in red wine pairing heaven. We sampled many of the items and planned on ordering more. I suggest spending time there in between tasting rooms!

Located right next store to Stafford’s was the rustic Corner House Coffee. We got our coffee fix in as well as almond croissants and toasted bagels. It was an important spot for us as some of the tasting rooms didn’t have restroom facilities, but the coffee shop did – for its guests.

Our lunch that first day was provided by Peter Stolpman in the Stolpman Vineyards located in the Ballard Canyon section of Santa Ynez Valley. A grand picnic of sandwiches, salads and pickled vegetables that went very well with their white blend L’Avion Roussanne, Syrahs and Sangiovese. (The tour and tasting will run in a separate story.) Even though the day was cold, and had grown windy enough to knock empty wine glasses from our picnic table – we loved it. We just had to keep our glasses full to prevent any mishaps – not a problem. You can book your own picnic and vineyard tour too via this link: http://www.stolpmanvineyards.com/Tasting-Room/index.php?p=31&title=Vineyard-Tours

Much later that evening we had dinner at The Hitching Post II. I hadn’t been there since the film Sideways came out. It was crowded, as expected, but the service was prompt. We had the fresh lobster, filet mignon, prime flat iron, Angus rib chop and rack of lamb. And when I mentioned my sister-in-law’s birthday as we were ordering dessert, hers arrived with a lit candle and a song.

I felt silly after asking everyone for a breakfast spot as the one breakfast we had ended up being provided for us…

After driving through the gates of Clos Pepe Vineyards to reach the home of Steve and Cathy Pepe where we were to spend the night, we quickly saw winemaker Wes Hagen playing Frisbee Gold, aka Disc Golf, amongst the dormant vines. We had an appointment for a wine class and tasting the next day and told Wes we’d see him then. He told us he would be up for breakfast first.

How pleasant, just as it had been with Peter Stolpman, to mingle and chit chat with Wes Hagen over granola, Cheerios, bananas, toast and bagels.

Our final meal was one of the suggested places: Sides Hardware and Shoes, a Brothers Restaurant. When Wes overheard our plans he suggested we try anything they had with bacon in it as they cure their own. Sold. We had a fresh cobb salad, with bacon, bacon burger, fried chicken salad and a “Triple Pork Burger with bacon, pork shoulder and house made chorizo, served with fried onions, jalapeños and roasted poblano aioli.” And though it sounded really rich to me, those that ordered it were the first ones done!

The middle of June 2015 was truly a wine-soaked weekend in the Los Angeles area, with Wine in the Pines on Saturday, June 13th at Pine Mountain Club followed on Sunday, June 14th by the Ojai Wine Festival.

First – Wine In The Pines

The annual Wines In The Pines festival was started in 2003 by the Village Pine Mountain Club. We are very proud to have helped the event be a huge hit this year. Lots of good wines, very well organized, great food and entertainment as well. And even though it was warm [mid 80s, I think, which happens sometimes up here] I heard hardly any comments about the weather as people were just having too good of a time.

I saw many Santa Claritans at the festival, as usual. After all, the event is just over an hour away from the SCV. Yet, once you leave the 5 freeway at Frazier Park and head into the mountains you are quickly transported into another world – they don’t call it Mount Pinos for nothing.

While walking amongst the towering pines, you are able to sample wine from dozens of wineries, along with beer and food. You can check out the list of participating wineries, breweries and restaurants here:

Some of the winery highlights for my wife Karen and me [note that if a winery isn’t mentioned it just means we probably didn’t get to it]:

Ampelos Cellars: A fortunate cancelation of a meeting at the World Trade Center led to Peter Work missing the 9/11 tragedy. Rethinking their lives, he and wife Rebecca plunged full-time into their Ampelos vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, which they had acquired in 1999. My favorites were the “Syrache” [blend of Syrah and Grenache] as well as the standalone Syrah.

Ascension Cellars: Winemaker Erick Allen uses fruit from the Cass Vineyard in Paso Robles and makes his wines there as well. Focusing primarily on Rhone and Bordeaux blends with minimal use of oak, we enjoyed the “Silver Blanc” [Chardonnay and Viognier blend] and the “Trinity” [Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre].

Cantara Cellars: From their winery in Camarillo, Mike and Chris Brown continue to craft delicious wines from Lodi grapes. Enjoyed the “Mischievous” blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Coruce: Based in the high desert, Coruce went commercial in just 2013. Some of their wines are still made with Central Coast grapes [like their excellent Viognier from the Bien Nacido Vineyard] but they are focusing more and more on local grapes, like their tasty Antelope Valley Zinfandel and Syrah bottlings.

Gen 7: Are you old enough to remember the Brookside Winery tasting rooms that dotted the landscape in the late 60s and early 70s? Probably not, but I am. Gen 7 represents the latest efforts of that winemaking family. Best ones here for me were the “Road to Morocco” blend of Cabernet, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah as well as their “1832” Zinfandel.

Golden Star Vineyards: Lee and Helen Williams continue to impress me with their tasty wines from the High Desert. Loved their Chardonnay, Zinfandel, three different Syrahs as well as their signature Purple Haze blend. Their daughter Heather introduced me to their “desert wines” a few years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Mystic Hills: Based in San Miguel [just outside of Paso Robles] but with Santa Clarita Valley roots, Judy and Joel Cox’ winery is producing some wines that are really getting noticed and bringing in the awards. My favorite is their “Unforgiven” red blend.

Plan B Wine Cellars: Based in Ventura, Plan B does a great job with the grapes it purchases, focusing primarily on Zins and Rhones, which are right up my alley. Really enjoyed their Syrah.

Rotta: Winemaker Jeff Branco brings his impressive to pedigree to Rotta Winery in Paso Robles. Loved his Cabernet but it was his Syrah that really knocked me out.

Zotovich: Their tasting room is in Lompoc and their vineyard is in the Sta. Rita Hills. They sell a lot of their grapes to other wineries in the area, but keep some for themselves, making some delicious wines like the great Syrah that I tasted.

To sum up: a great day in the mountains, a great day in the woods, a great day for wine, beer, food and fun. Be sure to join us next year.

Michael Perlis has been pursuing his passion for wine for more than 25 years. He has had the good fortune of having numerous mentors to show him the way, as well as a wonderful wife who encourages him and shares his interest. After a couple of decades of learning about wine, attending events, visiting wineries and vineyards, and tasting as much wine as he possibly could, he had the amazing luck to meet Eve Bushman. Now, as Contributing Editor for Eve’s Wine 101, he does his best to bring as much information as possible about wine to Eve’s Wine 101 faithful readers. Michael is also Vice President of Eve Bushman Consulting (fka Eve’s Wine 101 Consulting) http://evebushmanconsulting.com/ and President of MCP Financial. Michael can be contacted at michaelthezinfan@aol.com or michael@evebushmanconsulting.com

Pioneering Santa Barbara-based vintners Stephen and Cathy Pepe have announced that they have entered into a long-term partnership with WALT Wines, a St. Helena-based specialist in vineyard specific Pinot Noir from California and Oregon. The 29-acre winery and vineyard was founded in 1994 on Highway 246, just 8 miles east of Lompoc, CA.

“My wife Cathy and I have enjoyed our two decades of producing Pinot Noir in the Santa Rita Hills,” says vintner Stephen Pepe. ”We have decided to scale down our lifestyle after dedicating over 20+ years in crafting Pinot Noir. We are thrilled to be able to work with the talented team at WALT and plan to continue live on the property and sell Clos Pepe wines for years to come.” Cathys son, Wes Hagen, has been actively involved with the operation since day one as the vineyard manager and head winemaker.

When the Pepe family arrived in Lompoc in 1994, the Santa Rita Hills was just emerging as a premier appellation for Pinot Noir. Steve, Cathy and Wes’s efforts helped define Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills, and partially due to their success, other prominent vineyards have earned notable vineyard success in the area. During this time, Wes developed a national reputation as a prominent winemaker and wine educator. Wes was also one of the principal draftspersons of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA as well as two other AVAs in Santa Barbara County.

”We have been producing Pinot Noir from the Clos Pepe Vineyard for the past five vintages,” says WALT President Mike Reynolds. “The wines demonstrate a unique combination of elegance and concentration and we are thrilled to have a deeper connection with this vineyard for years to come.”

The Clos Pepe vineyard consists of 29 acres of sustainable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines producing some of the finest fruit and wine in the world. Sustainably farmed with low yields and no herbicide or insecticide, the Close Pepe vineyard is exposed to wind and fog and features small vines and clusters. The site includes 25 planted acres of Pinot Noir as well as 4 planted acres of Chardonnay. Relationships with select buyers of Clos Pepe Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will continue.

ABOUT CLOS PEPE ESTATE:
Clos Pepe Vineyard was purchased by Steve and Cathy Pepe in 1994 as a horse ranch, and established the 9th vineyard in what would become the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Specializing in cool-climate, small production, craft-based Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Clos Pepe is now recognized as a leader in local and national wine culture, wine education and providing fruit to some of the best winemakers in California. The Close Pepe Estate is located at 4777 East Highway 246 in Lompoc, CA 93436. For more information, please visit www.clospepecom, or by calling 805-735-2196.

ABOUT WALT WINES:
WALT specializes in premier, small-lot Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from some of the most coveted vineyards along the Pacific Coast, Central Coast, Sonoma County, and Anderson Valley in California and Willamette Valley, Oregon. WALTs philosophy of non-interventionist winemaking allows our winemakers to create expressive wines that reflect the signature personality of each growing region. Owned by Kathryn Walt Hall and her husband Craig, the winery was named to honor Kathryns parents, Bob and Dolores Walt, who were grape growers in Mendocino County and inspired Kathryns passion for vineyards and vine. For the wine to reflect the vineyards terroir, WALT winemakers Steve Leveque and Megan Gunderson combine elements of old-world winemaking style with new age technology, letting nature take its course through the winemaking process with as little human intervention as possible. WALT, a sister brand to the acclaimed HALL Wines in Napa Valley, has consistently earned praise by industry critics with over 40 wines being rated 90 points and above. The WALT Tasting Room opened in 2011 and is located at the Sonoma Plaza in Sonoma, CA, and is open to the public. For more information, please visit www.waltwines.com or by calling (707) 933-4440.

WHAT: TOSCANA welcomes Joe Davis of Arcadia Winery, who will introduce wines from their exceptional winery in Lompoc, California. The four course Tuscan menu by Chef Hugo Vasquez will be paired with five wines from the collection.

Joe Davis began his winemaking career in the 1980s, opening his own brand in 1996. He has consistently made quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah from some of the most prestigious vineyards in the Central Coast. Particularly interesting is the ageability of his wines. He may be releasing 7 year old wines while many Central Coast producers are focusing on wines to be drunk in their youth. Greatly influenced by his role models in Burgundy (namely Domaine Dujac), Davis uses techniques such as stem inclusion and extended barrel aging to make his wines full structured and age worthy. Like a top negociant, Davis knows all the intricacies of the vineyards he uses and keeps detailed logs of each vintage he harvests. Look forward to the 2001 Gary’s Vineyard Syrah which Davis touts as the best wine he has ever made from Gary’s Vineyard.

Traditionally, Arcadian harvests fruit with more modest sugar levels and higher natural acidity than many of their fellow growers. The belief that Arcadian wines will continue to evolve in the bottle for years to come and that this will ultimately produce a more interesting wine is what drives the philosophy of these wines. “I admire Joe Davis’s willingness to take risks,” states Antonio Galloni in his 2013 Vinous Media reviews for Arcadian, continuing, “The intellectual desire to experiment and push the envelope is a quality many of the world’s greatest winemakers share.”

Chef Hugo Vasquez’s Dinner for Spring with Arcadian Wine Pairings

Canape

Cheese and Zucchini Souffle

Ham and Cheese Tartlets

Spinach and Ricotta Tartlets

Arcadian Chardonnay ‘Sleepy Hollow Vineyard’ 2008

Antipasto

Bruschetta with Porchetta and Red and Yellow Bell Peppers

Arcadian Pinot Noir ‘Sleepy Hollow Vineyard’ 2005

Primo Piatto

Risotto with Grilled Cuttlefish, Cherry Tomatoes and Artichokes

Arcadian Pinot Noir ‘Gold Coast Vineyard’ 2008

Secondo Piatto

Grilled Lamb Chops with Herbs and Seasonal Vegetables

Arcadian Syrah ‘Westerly Vineyard’ 2007

Dolce

Assortment of Italian Cheeses and Fresh Fruit

Arcadian Syrah ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ 2001

Wine Director Emily Johnston: photo courtesy of Rob Stark Photography

price $130 per guest all-inclusive, tickets may be purchased by calling Toscana:310.820.2448

$130 per guest, inclusive of menu, wines, taxes and gratuities; seating is limited

Winemaker Joe Davis will be present to meet guests and discuss the wines

Reservations may be made by phone with credit card pre-payment

WHERE:

TOSCANA

11633 San Vicente Boulevard, #100

Los Angeles, CA 90049

310.820.2448

ABOUT TOSCANA:

TOSCANA quietly opened in April of 1989 by first time restaurateurs Mike and Kathie Gordon who dreamed of recreating the simple, delicious food and warm, inviting ambiance they found in Italy. TOSCANA’s success exceeded all expectations. The restaurant was quickly discovered and populated by guests who became regulars, dining on exquisite and authentic Italian fare a few times a week for lunch and dinner. Twenty five years later, TOSCANA continues to thrive.

Terry and I went with four of our friends, Jim and Pat Hansen and Diane and Allen Eggers, to Lompoc for the Grand Tasting at Wine and Fire in August. (Here’s some of us there.)

Hansens, Eggers and Kanowskys

I’ve never been to Wine and Fire before, so I anticipated the same as at most such events, steadily increasing crowds elbowing their way to the tables of the more “popular” wineries. Inevitably, they would run out just as I got up to get to my sample. Or, some self-appointed expert would harangue the winemaker so that no one else could talk to him/her.

On top of that, the days are sometimes blazing, with no shade for relief. I remember one Paso Robles wine festival about five years ago where it was over 100°. As the day wore on, the wine got hot. By about 2:00 in the afternoon with the combination of heat and too much alcohol, several people were passed out or throwing up. Kinda adversely impacts the wine’s bouquet.

Finally, too often the festival advertises about appetizers and food available. But when you get there, you find it’s a few grapes, some tired cheese, and all the good stuff is gone.

But I’ve come to assume that that’s something you have to pay to the wine gods to be able to sample thousands of dollars worth of great juice.

Wine and Fire went against the grain. The Grand Tasting is set in a heavily shaded area of La Purisima Mission. It starts at 5:00, so it’s gotten a chance to cool a little. The organizers set up the tables so you can walk around them and get up close and personal with each winery without depriving other visitors from tasting.

And the food was great and plentiful. Pulled pork sandwiches, spareribs, tri-tip, lemon and chocolate desserts – a real treat. The pulled pork sandwiches from Succulent Café in Solvang rivaled what I make at home (which, humbly speaking, are delectable). The Hitching Post had some macaroni and cheese that you won’t find from Kraft Foods – delicious.

Oh, right, the wine. Featured were the winemakers interpretations of fruit from the Santa Rita Hills, heavily represented by Pinot Noir.

Some luminaries were there, such as Sea Smoke, Clos Pepe, and Brewer-Clifton. Their samples were all delicious. Brian Loring also poured, as did Adam Lee of Siduri (my personal favorite).

Julia Cargasacchi

An unexpected highlight was talking with Julia Cargasacchi of, you guessed it, Cargasacchi. She blushed when I asked her, “So, are you Mrs. Cargasacchi?” She responded, haltingly, “Well, I used to be.” Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. She was perky and delightful and an excellent representative of her ex’s wine making efforts.

During a recent trip to the Lompoc Ghetto (see story in the Oct/Nov issue of Elite magazine) the first ghetto room owner that I interviewed, with 30 years of experience in the wine business, was Antonio Moretti.

Moretti said that he “moved here for the wine that is produced here,” with a special nod to the western side as it’s more European in style. The “unique flavors that remind me of Europe, a little Burgundy. Each vineyard has its own flavor. It’s not the winemaker, it’s the grapes that are unique in flavor.”

Then I watched and listened as Moretti described each wine, winery, winemaker, appellation…etc., of every wine he poured. The attention to detail, and his obvious passion to the task, were forefront. I could not help but comment that I had not experienced such devotion – to other winemakers – from the people that have poured for me in other winery collective tasting rooms.

As I took diligent notes as Moretti spoke, my own tasting notes were lacking. If Moretti hadn’t been so interesting the case may have been opposite. But I believe you will gain more from his knowledge than my own meager one in comparison. But, as I couldn’t resist, I pulled out one descriptor for every wine I tasted that grabbed me – like an inkblot test and I wrote down the first thing that came to mind.

Tasting Sta. Rita Hills

Moretti Bianchetto, 2011: This is what Moretti drinks at home. He said it was light, dry, crisp and focused; and good with food. The grapes are picked earlier, which allows for the 12 percent alcohol. Moretti likes lower alcohol for two reasons: he can drink it throughout a meal and the wines have brighter acidity because the fruit was not overripe when picked. The bright acidity “keeps the palate clean.” All house wines are low alcohol in Europe, Moretti said, but as Americans want a glass of wine to stand alone there is traditionally more alcohol and less acidity in our wines here. My one descriptor: Lychee.

El Rey Pinot Noir 2011: Susan and Derek McLeish own the winery. It is a small production farm in a micro climate area about a mile from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA border. They only give their Garagiste wines to the tasting room to sell, according to Moretti, whatever they haven’t consumed themselves. They have full bodied fruit from their vineyards, and the cooler nights creates a thicker skinned grape and darker colored wine. My one descriptor: Cinnamon.

Seagrape Pinot Noir, Jump Up Vineyard, 2010: The winery has nothing to do with Buttonwood but Karen Steinwachs, the winemaker at Buttonwood, is the owner and sole winemaker at Seagrape. She used two to three year old barrels and blended grapes from two different vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Moretti said the wine was both drinkable and age-able, and a typical example of a Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. He said that the east AVA area makes a unique Pinot Noir that stands alone, while the western AVA needs food. He added that this Pinot was a good pairing wine; and with duck or boar, the wine blooms. My one descriptor: Cherry.

Ken Brown Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee 2010: Moretti said that this wine was good with food and could also stand alone as it was balanced, and grown from the warmer side of Sta. Rita Hills. Brown used 50% Rio Vista fruit (which gives the fruit-forward impact because it is warmer there), and the balance comes from two cooler weather spots – Rancho La Vina and Rita’s Crown. With 2012 Ken will be bottling a single vineyard Pinot Noir from Rita’s Crown,- and Moretti suggests we try that. My one descriptor: Cherry.

Kessler-Haak Syrah, Lafond Vineyard 2010: Moretti said that they purchased the fruit from Lafond. As this one had higher acidity Moretti sent his assistant out to bring us back some Italian salami to try with it. The salami “reduces acid and the flavor pops” Moretti said. It would be good with BBQ or steak. A north Rhone style grape grown in cooler weather, again producing thicker skin and more pigmentation. My one descriptor: Red fruit.

Cebada, Forbidden Fruit Libation: Cebada is a farm (Forbidden Fruit Orchards) in a unique micro-climate, and grows berries, bananas, guava, kiwi, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Moretti finds owner Sandra Newman’s port-style blueberry wine interesting winemaking – as it tastes like port. She aged the berries in French barrels, adds sugar and brandy (making it fortified) but no grapes. I thought this one required a longer one descriptor: needs-a-pancake.

Gypsy Canyon, Ancient Vine Angelica, Marcelina’s Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills: This is a fortified dessert wine, and according to Moretti it’s between a Madeira and a Sauterne. He suggested that we pair it with cheese. The Franciscans in the San Gabriel Mission began making this wine in 1771. My one descriptor: Intense.

About The Tasting Room(s)

Taste of Sta. Rita Hills* is a wine tasting room and retail store located in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto owned by Antonio Moretti and dedicated to representing local producers who do not have tasting rooms regularly open to the public: The current list of wineries they represent are: Clos Pepe, Seasmoke, Brewer-Clifton, Gypsy Canyon, El Rey, Thorne, Ken Brown, Walt, Seagrape, Ryan Cochrane, Cebada Forbidden Fruit, Dolina, Kessler-Haak, Rarus, Kita’ and Moretti.

And when you are there, make a point of visiting with Moretti’s wife, Jeni, at the Moretti Wines’ tasting room a ghetto-block away. “At Moretti, we are dedicated to producing well-balanced, food-friendly wines in a European tradition.”

(*Editor’s note: The abbreviation of Santa Rita Hills into Sta. Rita Hills is the accepted title of the AVA.)

Writing about wine tasting sometimes doesn’t always leave a lot of room for other important things, like where we dined and where we laid our heads at night. This article will cover that part – something very important to travelers whether wine is involved or not.

For this trip, to the Lompoc Wine Ghetto and Santa Ynez, we chose to eat out of the busy Danish town of Solvang for our breakfast, and opted for the highly recommended Ellen’s Danish Pancake House in Buellton. (Buellton is the closest city from the Lompoc Ghetto, about 19 miles.)

Not so fancy to look at from the outside, and quite quaint and old-fashioned on the inside, it fit the bill fine. There was quadruple the parking compared to Solvang – although there are a few public lots you may still have a walk to a restaurant. The wait is less too than in Buellton. We waited about five minutes before being seated; and immediately given coffee and menus.

The menu was like the other Danish breakfast places with the thin pancakes that came with different fruits or meats, homemade cinnamon rolls, omelets, French toast and Belgian waffles.

I had something called “Fat Bread” which were large slices of cinnamon raisin bread made in French toast style, and served with tons of sliced fruit. My husband had a Denver omelet AND the cinnamon roll.

Service was quick, the crowd was friendly, the place very memorable in all. Will definitely be back. The perfect stomach-filling uber-tasty meal we needed before a day of winery appointments and no time for lunch!

After five hours of wine tasting in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto the last thing I wanted to do is drive a minimum of 20 minutes for a hotel. I chose O’Cairns Inn and Suites exactly for that reason. It was a three minute drive from the tasting rooms. Now I had a good two hours to rest before tackling dinner.

The woman at the reception desk was extremely solicitous; seeing our tired faces she quickly explained where we could find the free ice cream, fruit, coffee, sodas. She then pulled out a map to show us where our rooms were located and where would go for our made-to-order complimentary breakfasts in the morning.

Now, ten minutes later, we found our rooms, dropped our bags, oohed and aahed at the amenities in our suite: a larger flat screen then we have at home, a well-equipped kitchen, dining nook, a desk, large dresser, large bed and bath…and now I am sitting – with my feet up in a leather recliner – starting my 4-star review for Trip Advisor and Yelp.

Fast forward to breakfast and I had everything my tummy desired before another day of wine tasting: Eggs scrambled with sausage, mushrooms, spinach, topped with sliced avocado and a large bowl of fresh fruit while my husband had an “everything” breakfast burrito, hash browns and toast.

Note: This hotel, just like the Lompoc Ghetto, is not for the snobbish traveler anymore than it is for the elitist wine taster. These two pair well together and are perfect for the smart wine taster that is looking for cleanliness, comfort, hominess and convenience in their accommodations.

After resting for two hours in our hotel we spruced up a little and made the 30 minute drive into Santa Ynez to make our 7 p.m. dinner reservations, again at a highly recommended Italian restaurant, S.Y. Kitchen.

We drove up to a mid-size building that looked like it had once been something else; either a private home or a grocery. We walked up to a porch and then into the restaurant where the hostess seated us immediately.

We were seated in what may have been the main dining room, in front of the open kitchen, but I regret not walking around to see the rest of the place. Our waiter was very solicitous. He listed every special from memory – and there had to be about six – while making eye contact with each of us as he went through each one. I got a kick out of watching him do this as he would turn from one of us to the other, and around again, knowing that his delivery was dead on enough that he couldn’t help but add a touch of a wicked smile. I half expected him to wink at each of us when he was done. Showmanship aside, he also gave swift service and checked in with us frequently.

Every table started with a bowl with ice and crudités, served with small individual dipping bowls filled with olive oil and pepper. I thought it was a nice touch – allowing us to double dip with ease.

We each ordered at least one of the specials. My husband had the New York steak that was served sliced and over a bed of dressed baby spinach, I had a duck ragu pasta, and our dining partner, Claudia Sheridan, had the fresh cream of asparagus soup. After we ate, and we were completely sated, our only regret was that we couldn’t find room in our tummies for the dessert. My husband did order a cappuccino, as this was an Italian restaurant, and it was excellent.

We looked around at the other tables; families, couples, all out for a great Saturday night dinner. I believe that the owner or manager, he didn’t identify himself, checked in with every guest throughout the course of the evening. It was obvious that their solicitous service did not end in our experience alone.

Sneaking off to Lompoc and Santa Ynez soon…and since many of you have sent your suggestions I wanted to check in and fill you in on what we have planned.Feel free to email me if you have any other wine-filled ideas: eve@evewine101.com

I didn’t want to miss Jalama as I know as they are supporting Circle of Hope by pouring at the Vine 2 Wine Classic on August 17 (join us: http://circleofhopeinc.org/events/vine2wineclassic), Fiddlehead supported our WiSH Education Foundation tasting in the library this year with wine donations, I enjoyed Palmina at a LearnAboutWine event and Zotovich had the best Pinot Noir that I tasted at a Henry Wine Group event.It was prime time that I visited all of these!

Free breakfast at O’Cairns

Knowing it was going to be a full day of tasting I wanted to stay at a nearby hotel in Lompoc where we could rest up before heading out to dinner.We chose O’Cairns Inn and Suites, this is what their website promised:

…an unsurpassed complimentary cooked-to-order hot breakfast each morning…complimentary drinks during our Happy Hour…Our rooms are home-like, and include large flat screen TV’s, pillow top mattresses and some even have leather recliners…premium ice cream available 24-hours in the Lobby…toiletries, DVD rentals (over 1000 DVD Library, including up-to-date new releases), complimentary laundry service (including detergents), daily passes to Walnut Pier Health Club and copies of USA Today.

SY kitchen

I was relaxed just thinking about the hotel but, I had to make dinner reservations.I tried the uber-popular Succulent and was told that they were booked, two months in advance, for the time I wanted.A pal suggested the new SY Kitchen in Santa Ynez that was created by the same people behind Bar Toscana.The website promised Italian fare served in a three-room (one is a porch) farmhouse.And the Facebook page had photos of the chef torching artichokes and plating chicken dishes…that did make my mouth water.

For Sunday wine-tasting plans I contacted Cheryl Stauffer, the director of the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association, for a new itinerary.She set us up to start at Lucas & Lewellen in Solvang where owner Louie Lucas was planning to meet up with us. “In addition to his own winery operation,” Stauffer said, “Louie has a wealth of information on the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, the terroir and farming.”(I was looking forward to meeting Louie as a pal of mine had secured a generous donation of his wine for our Pour Into Sandy tasting event.)

From there we were to have tastings at Lincourt Vineyards, Rideau Vineyard and Buttonwood Farm Winery.Of these threes I hadn’t had Lincourt since a 2003 tasting via Valencia Wine Company and Rideau would be totally new to me!I had met and lunched with Buttonwood winemaker Karen Steinwachs via another LearnAboutWine event and looked forward to seeing her again – or at least her wines!

So, in a very big nutshell, these are our plans.Once I take the trip I will report back via Twitter, Yelp, Trip Advisor, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Facebook, a website or print magazine and my Dear Wine Friend Newsletter because, what’s the point in tasting something great if you don’t shout about it???

About the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association

We are an association of select boutique wineries located in the heard of the Santa Ynez, California. Each winery has a unique story , tasting room and selection of award winning wines for you to sample.

Wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley offers an outstanding opportunity to try a variety of premium wines including (but not limited to!) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot. While visiting, discover the charm of the village of Los Olivos, rustic Santa Ynez and the quaint Danish village of Solvang. You can use our printable map to plan your next outing or just pick up a picnic lunch and head out to our wineries.

Relax amidst the vines while taking in the ancient oaks stretching out over gently rolling hills. With a moderate climate, beautiful scenery and peaceful country living, the Santa Ynez Valley has become a wine tasting destination unlike any other.

We hope you enjoy your visit and make sure to add Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country to your permanent list of delightful getaways.

About the Lompoc Trail Tasting Rooms

Come explore the bountiful wine region along the Lompoc Wine Trail. Lompoc is the gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, which is renowned for exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Many of the wine producers in Lompoc have their vineyards, or source grapes from this region.

Scattered along the loop of Highway 246 and Santa Rosa Road from Lompoc to Buellton there are a number of wineries which also include some larger, estate wineries.

Santa Ynez Valley, California— One of the most celebrated times of year in the Santa Ynez Valley takes place from August through November. Harvest in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country is a revered season when visitors and locals can experience wine from grape to glass. To celebrate, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley has declared September “Santa Ynez Valley Wine Month” and will be honoring wine with events, classes, dinners, deals and packages. As part of California Wine Month, these events and promotions can be found in the towns of Buellton, Ballard, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Solvang and the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. The unique offerings of SYV Wine Month are supported by several major sponsors: Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association, Sunstone Winery, Sanford Winery, Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse and Coghlan Vineyard & Jewelers.

Celebrate the marriage of wine and food throughout SYV Wine Month with dinners and food pairing events such as Brewer-Clifton’s Wine Country Luncheon at Machado Vineyard, an Effervescence Sparkling Wine release Brunch at the Sunstone Villa and the Second Annual Wine Club Dinner at Refugio Ranch. Special wine pairing menus will be offered by the Los Olivos Café & Wine Merchant in Los Olivos and Fresco Valley Café in Solvang or you can cook and be part of Buttonwood Winery’s Cookbook Club dinner. Taste something old and something new with vertical, library and special tasting flights at many wineries including Sanford, Cimarone & 3CV Wines, Wandering Dog Wine Bar, Mosby, Brewer-Clifton, Longoria, and Palmina.

Take wine education to the next level with wine classes and seminars offered by Refugio Ranch and Brewer-Clifton. Then get a closer view of the wine country by taking a tour through the vineyards or a behind-the-scenes tour of a winery. Avant in Buellton will be offering a Winemaker’s Tour and lunch on three different Saturdays in September.

After all that wine drinking you’ll want a comfortable place to stay and relax. Visitors can take advantage of terrific packages or deals offered by hotels such as the Wine Valley Inn, ForFriends Inn, Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn, King Frederik Inn and Ballard Inn. Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse will also offer specials to visitors looking for a private estate. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir during your stay. Cimarone Wines is offering a 6-pack special and Coghlan Vineyard & Jewelers is donating 50% of all sales (including tastings) to Arts Outreach, a nonprofit supporting the arts for children.

For a complete listing of Wine Month events, tasting rooms and deals, visit www.SYVwine.com. Plan your trip to the Santa Ynez Valley, view, download or order a Visitors Guide with a wine tasting map at www.visitthesantaynezvalley.com.